Primary Navigation

Trump Tower Award Winner

November 15, 2015

Dear Friends,

On Friday the 13th we were honored to receive two awards from the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Chicago.

I am proud to say a Gold Key was for my residence, the design of which everyone on my staff played a role. Each space required deep thought and many drawings – the kitchen with its leather wrapped wall of cabinetry; the guest bedroom with its Mondrian-like murphy bed; the guest bath’s wall of glass; the master bedroom’s upholstered walls; and the terrace – the space where most of our entertaining takes place.

Having completed 23 residences at Trump Tower – we have an intimate knowledge of the iconic building and how it works – qualities that keep new residents bringing us back. In fact, the second award we received was a coveted Crystal Key for the in-town Trump residence of one of our North Shore clients. This achievement aligns us with other professionals dedicated to excellence in interior design, construction and innovation. It is our third award for spaces we have created at this address.

Our clients envisioned their sleek city digs as a complete departure from their classically traditional suburban home. The result? A 4,000 square foot condominium with a den and home theater/office space coupled with an adjacent studio unit that provided a needed third bedroom. Our task was to create a plan making the combination appear authentic, as if it were original to the tower – an achievement that would win the approval of the building’s board of directors and allow us to proceed.

Our design concept combined color, sculpture, and dramatic lighting throughout the residence. On a wall between the entry and dining room a Brueton dining buffet offers an effective statement against a dramatically colorful wall. The artwork is a provocative photo narrative by artist Gregory Scott, recognized for his bold combination of self-images in photography, painting, and video.

Mechanical hardware for the motorized sheer draperies is concealed by the dropped ceiling. We created a pocket to hide the track and motors in keeping with the contemporary architectural style.

A more gracious effect was achieved by removing a wall between the dining area, den, and kitchen– an effective strategy we’ve used in multiple other Trump homes– always for the same reason. Without a wall built right down the middle the room’s columns appear more sculptural.

The home’s common areas are anchored by chevron patterned travertine flooring. The fireplace walls are clad in slabs of the same stone. The saturated color of the wool carpet defines the seating area. LED lighting embedded in both the columns and draperies creates a glow throughout the living room, dining area, and den.

The Trump standard kitchen had never been used, but our clients wanted something more original. We created a new kitchen design concept to compliment the rest of the interior space. The sculptural fixture above the island provides great lighting.

The gracious master bedroom suite features two walk-in closets, his and her baths, and extraordinary views of the Chicago River and skyline.

A crisp color palette dominates the third bedroom – originally the neighboring studio. The custom-made lampshade manufactured after we found the ready-to-wear bedding repeats the color scheme used throughout the home.

Because the studio’s original closet doors swung into the room, they conflicted with a pair of queen-size beds. We designed custom doors using a textured stainless steel center panel and barn door-type hardware which allowed access to the closet interior.

Once again, this has been another extraordinary year. We must thank all of our clients who believed in John Robert Wiltgen Design and allowed us to transform their homes into works of art. In addition, we extend our heartfelt thanks to those of you who referred us to new clients. You, too, believe in the JRWD team.

Congratulations!! I loved reading this email and I absolutely LOVE this unit! I noticed the family room sofa, mirror in hallway, and bar stool chairs…! It all looks great. Fantastic news about your own residence as well.
Thanks for sharing.

It was a joy hearing from you once again and sharing your beautiful pictures, that I always enjoy viewing. You are truly a master of furniture and decoy designs. If I just had 1% of your talent, I would be a millionaire, lol. Take care, and keep the pictures coming. Enjoy your holidays.